Building HOPE Event
Saturday September 17, 2011 at Lafayette and Elm Street, Waterloo
- 11am: Food Bank Ground Breaking
- 11:30am: Food Bank Ground Breaking, Free Health Screenings, and Free Community Picnic
- See Flyer for more information.
Previous Focuses:
Healthy Kids Day 2009
Saturday April 18, 2009 at the Family YMCA of Black Hawk County
- 9am-12pm: Tropical theme games & crafts in the gym
- 12-2pm: Family Pool Time FREE!
- Free t-shirt to the first 50 kids in the door! Win great door prizes!
- For more information contact anordgren@blackhawkymca.org or call 319-233-3531
Live Healthy Iowa
Like a New Year's resolution, going on a diet may seem like a good idea, but without a long-term commitment -- in this case, to better health -- the results likely won't last. To make sure the commitment is up front and center, the annual challenge known for seven years as Lighten Up Iowa has become Live Healthy Iowa for 2009. The new name better reflects what the program is all about, said Ruth Litchfield, an ISU Extension nutrition specialist.
Often people thought that the purpose of Lighten Up Iowa was merely weight loss. However, Litchfield said, "What we're all about is healthier living through good nutrition, physical activity and emotional wellness. We want everyone in Iowa to live healthy."
The Live Healthy Iowa 100 Day Challenge is a team-based weight loss and physical activity program, Litchfield said. Adult team members help each other begin to form healthy habits through physical activity and improved nutrition.
Regardless of the name, since the program began in 2002, more than 74,000 Iowans have participated, have become more active and have lost more than 153 tons of weight, according to Live Healthy Iowa statistics.
"Live Healthy Iowa encourages you to set realistic goals and make informed decisions about your health," Litchfield said. "We're challenging all Iowans to get on a team and make those changes."
Teams don't have to work out at a gym, though that's certainly one way to boost physical activity.
"Walking is a great physical activity. Cleaning the house counts as physical activity. There also are the new Wii™ systems - Wii Fit™ has some yoga, strengthening, conditioning and aerobic activities. These count as physical activity for the Live Healthy Iowa 100 Day Challenge," she said.
Iowa youth may participate in Live Healthy Iowa Kids, Litchfield said. For more information or to register a youth or adult team, visit the Live Healthy Iowa web site.
In Black Hawk county, participants are invited to a Live Healthy Iowa Kick Off Health Fair to be held Wednesday Jan 14, from 6:00AM-8:00AM, or from 5:00-7:00PM. The Health Fair will be held at the Black Hawk County Extension Office, 3420 University Avenue, Waterloo, in Conference Room A. Participants will be able to choose from a variety of screening opportunities and also meet with local education and fitness groups. Make plans to attend! For more information, contact, Jill Weber, Nutrition and Health Field Specialist at Black Hawk County Extension, 319-234-6811.